Iran's Navy has seized a vessel used by private security companies as a "floating arsenal" in the Gulf of Oman, redirecting it towards Iranian territorial waters.
According to BBC, citing maritime risk management firm "Vanguard," the vessel is the "Hui Chuan" sailing under a Honduran flag. Operators confirmed they used the ship as an ammunition and military equipment depot for companies protecting merchant vessels from pirates.
No information has been released on who or what is aboard the seized vessel. Such floating arsenals are widely used in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Gulf of Oman. The "Hui Chuan" offered storage for weapons and equipment, as well as shelter for private security staff during shift changes.
Vanguard noted the seizure occurred shortly after the attack and sinking of the Indian-flagged merchant vessel "Haji Ali" off the coast of Oman.
